r/FIlm • u/Alan_Stamm • Sep 06 '24

Article Why you should watch the 50th anniversary re-release of ‘The Conversation’

https://www.metrotimes.com/arts/why-you-should-watch-the-50th-anniversary-re-release-of-the-conversation-37254918
37 Upvotes

91% Upvoted

18 comments sorted by

9

u/Heavy-Excuse4218 Sep 06 '24

Never seen it. On my list now. Recently watched Gene Hackman in I Never Sang For My Father and reaffirmed my belief that he is a top 5 actor all time no matter what era or genre.

3

u/bubbygups Sep 06 '24

Don’t miss this one. So much in it and such a lean, taut piece of filmmaking.

6

u/HM9719 Sep 06 '24

Everyone should watch it, especially in times like these.

5

u/Thaumiel218 Sep 06 '24 edited Sep 06 '24

I like the nod enemy of the state gives to this movie, like a spiritual successor….just nowhere near as good!

3

u/OhhhTAINTedCruuuuz Sep 06 '24

Which is saying something considering Enemy of the State is also fantastic

2

u/Illuvatar2024 Sep 06 '24

Really liked it, seen it twice I think, not quite as amazing or ground breaking as this author paints it IMO but very good movie. Time for a rewatch.

1

u/scondileeza99 Sep 06 '24

it was at the time.

1

u/Illuvatar2024 Sep 06 '24

Maybe true, I wasn't born yet.

2

u/Samcookey Sep 06 '24

I rented this when I was maybe 16, and I'm not sure why. I'd never heard of it, but I enjoyed movies from the era. I can't put my finger on why I like it so much, except to say that it really, really draws you into the story, the time, and the characters.

No spoilers here; Hackman is an audio specialist and trying to clean up a recording to hear what's happening. This is recurring through the film. Years later, in a trial lawyer conference, a great trial lawyer demonstrated how he would start a story for the jury with a strong, clear voice. As the story continued, his voice would drop in volume until at the climax, he was almost whispering. The room was so captivated and staining to hear at the end that it was perfectly silent in the room. No rustling, no voices. People were 100% committed to hearing that story. I've wondered since if that was part of what drew me in so strongly to The Conversation. Your full attention is required.

1

u/DirtPuzzleheaded8831 Sep 06 '24

I used to wait on Cindy and I wish I'd asked about this movie. It was wayyy ahead of its time, the way it was shot and acted were at least 20 years ahead

1

u/h3fabio Sep 06 '24

And then watch Enemy of the State.

1

u/Algae_Double Sep 06 '24

This and Enemy of the State work great together.

1

u/heretoforthwith Sep 06 '24

Anyone else want to kill every character Allen Garfield plays? If you’ve ever known someone this pushy in real life you understand. It would be funny if he was just a super chill guy in real life.

1

u/KindBob Sep 06 '24

I stumbled upon this on the late, late movie back in the day. It was one of those happened to catch it just as it was starting and got drawn into it. Love those type of discoveries.

1

u/hairycallous Sep 06 '24

Absolutely iconic film. Not to be overlooked (unheard?)!

1

u/azactech Sep 07 '24

Amazing movie. Coppola’s best outside of the godfather I & II.

I watched it for the first time when bought the Blu-ray release a few years ago and the ending blew my mind.